Beneficial insects in the pro-ecological philatelic issue of Poczta Polska
On April 24, Poczta Polska launched a new philatelic issue titled "Beneficial Insects." The stamps, featuring the Carabid beetle and the Village Sleeper, are the company's second environmentally friendly philatelic issue. The aim of the issue is to disseminate knowledge about the Polish species diversity of beneficial insects and to draw public attention to their positive impact on the ecosystem.
Andrzej Gosik's stamps were created using watercolor techniques. The first stamp is dedicated to the ground beetle. This insect clears the area of nuisance slugs, butterfly caterpillars, aphids, and Colorado beetles. It consumes large numbers of pests found in both forests and agricultural fields. It consumes about 10 larvae daily. Ground beetles can reach high speeds despite their relatively small size – covering 1 meter in just 10 seconds. When disturbed, they can fire a "ball" containing chemicals to repel enemies at a distance of 25 cm (10 times their own length).
The second stamp depicts the woodlice moth, which controls beetles and the larvae of predatory insects, including many pests. Its larvae feed on snails, earthworms, and various insects, while the adults feed on small insects and pollen.
Through the "Beneficial Insects" stamp series, Poczta Polska is reaching a wide audience, disseminating knowledge about the species diversity of beneficial insects and highlighting their impact on life on Earth. In this regard, it supports the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Promoting environmentally friendly initiatives is also one of the company's strategic goals.
Each design is issued in a sales sheet – five stamps and one tag. In addition to the stamps, Poczta Polska also issued an FDC envelope depicting meadow flowers. These are in keeping with the colors and style of the entire issue, providing an attractive complement.
The first edition of the "Beneficial Insects" issue
In 2021, Poczta Polska launched a philatelic issue titled "Beneficial Insects," featuring six unique stamp designs depicting pollinating insects. The stamps depict the honeybee, the metallic bee, the common lichen, the halictus, the scabious bee, and the red-headed bumblebee. These species are among the most endangered, due to factors including environmental changes, the spread of diseases and parasites, and human actions related to economic and industrial progress.
About stamps:
Author of the stamp designs: Andrzej Gosik
Number of stamps: 2
Value: PLN 3.90
Circulation: 135,000 pcs of each stamp
Printing technique: offset + stochastic raster
Stamp format: 40.5 x 40.5 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheets: 5 stamps and one tag, 2 designs
Date of circulation: April 24, 2023
